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Blockchain-powered drone deliveries: Embedded governance mechanisms for reducing uncertainty and enhancing consumer behavioral intentions

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  • Hayat, Khizar
  • Zhang, Qingyu
  • Sousa, Maria Jose
  • Husnain, Mudassir
  • Shahzad, Khuram

Abstract

While the role of blockchain technology (BT) in enhancing business value and operational outcomes is well recognized, its capacity to address consumer concerns in adopting drone delivery services (DDS) remains underexplored. Drawing on the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and a digital governance lens, this study examines how BT attributes, transparency, traceability, and privacy assurance function as embedded governance mechanisms that reduce uncertainty and shape behavioral intentions, including switching, adoption, and intention to continue DDS. Structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS and SPSS analyzed survey data. Results confirm significant relationships between BT attributes and uncertainty reduction, with IT knowledge positively moderating these effects. Uncertainty reduction strongly influences behavioral intentions, while user self-efficacy further moderates these relationships. Beyond statistical links, findings reveal deeper socio-technical dynamics: blockchain integration in DDS embeds algorithmic decision-making and digital trust into service operations, shifting logistics governance from institutional to computational regulation. This transformation raises implications for user autonomy, accountability, and regulatory oversight. Therefore, DDS providers should address both technical and governance aspects of BT to build trust and ensure sustained adoption in decentralized, intelligent logistics systems. This study contributes to positioning blockchain attributes as governance mechanisms, offering a nuanced understanding of adoption in emerging, high-uncertainty service contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Hayat, Khizar & Zhang, Qingyu & Sousa, Maria Jose & Husnain, Mudassir & Shahzad, Khuram, 2025. "Blockchain-powered drone deliveries: Embedded governance mechanisms for reducing uncertainty and enhancing consumer behavioral intentions," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:221:y:2025:i:c:s0040162525003889
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124357
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